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4 Aerosol Car Paint Techniques for a Professional Coat

January 27, 2012

Aerosol car paint is one of the most popular methods of touching up vehicles used by professional auto body service shops. This method of using a paint spray gun can also be put to use for the purposes of creating a unique and custom design for your vehicle's paint coat. Before you purchase a car paint sprayer and begin working on your car, however, take the time to research the best techniques and procedures to use in order to give your vehicle the most professional appearance possible.

1 - Sketch First

While most painters will realize the value of sketching out the design for their vehicle on a piece of paper before they begin, fewer understand that you can also sketch the proposed modifications on the body of the car itself. Use a wax pencil to lightly outline the design that you plan to paint onto the car. The wax itself can be scrubbed off of the car surface easily if you make a mistake, and it's also easier to remove in the event that you complete the paint job with the pencil marks still on the car.

2 - Prep the Area Well

Do not immediately begin to paint over the existing surface of the car. It's important for the longevity and the appearance of the new paint that you properly prep and clean the existing surface paint before you begin. Wash off all of the wax and silicone coatings that may be on the surface of your car by using a standard dish soap mixed with a small quantity of water. Rinse off the area of the car that you intend to paint thoroughly before you begin painting.

3 - Short, Even Strokes

Rather than attempt to use a single long stroke to paint your vehicle, use shorter bursts of paint in lines. This provides you with a greater degree of control over the paint as it flows to your car. It also allows you the opportunity to stop mid-project and survey your work to make any adjustments or changes to the paint job.

For practice, it's best to get a piece of scrap metal before you begin to develop your ability to produce short and even strokes of paint on a piece of your car.

4 - Start with Dark Colors First

If you're painting multiple colors on your vehicle, it's best to start with the darker hues before you continue on to lighter ones. The darker colors are best able to provide a foundation for your vehicle and can be used to touch up any lighter colors that may be painted in error later on. Be sure to allow plenty of time in between coats for each of the paint layers to dry.

If you have any other questions about the process of using an aerosol paint to touch up or make a custom design on your car, ask a specialist for advice.